This year’s winners for signing the Wall of Stars during River Days festivities have been announced. More than 100 entries were received this year. Three of the winners were chosen by committee, and one was chosen by Portsmouth Mayor James Kalb. The honorees will sign their stars at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Court Street Landing.

Here is a list of honorees, with a few highlights of information, provided by those who nominated each individual:

• Mayor’s Choice —NASCAR driver Junior Spencer of New Boston. Born Henry Spencer Jr., on Aug. 27, 1937, in Portsmouth, Spencer began his racing career at the age of 16. He was a top driver at the Portsmouth Speedway (now Shawnee Village Campground) and other area tracks. In 1964 and 1965, he competed in NASCAR racing at the top level. He raced at Atlanta, Martinsville, Bristol, Darlington, Charlotte, Daytona, Rockingham and several other top speedways. In 1972, he returned to NASCAR and competed in the ARCA race at Daytona Beach. During his racing career in NASCAR, he had 12 top 20 finishes, seven top 10 finishes and two top five finishes.

At the age of 66, he has slowed down a bit because of health problems, but he has been active with the New Boston Little League, Scioto Antique Car Club, Elks Club, American Legion Post 23 and Insurance Adjusters organization. He is a Kentucky Colonel, and has rebuilt and shown cars at many events. In 1994, he was inducted into the Portsmouth Raceway Park’s Hall of Fame.

• Candy Berry — Berry resides in Flatwoods, Ky., and coaches Greenup County cheerleading. Under her coaching, Greenup has been featured on a number of national TV shows including “20/20” and CBS’ “On the Road with Charles Kuralt.” In 1996, she and her squad were invited to China for the Olympics to perform during the gymnastics finals. In 1988, she and her squad had been invited to China to teach cheerleading there and helped get the sport started.

She is a Kentucky Colonel, Kentucky Cheer Coach of the Year, American Spirit Awards Coach of the Year, American Cheerleaders Magazine “Who’s Who” Outstanding Achievement Award/High School Coach of the Year 1999 and a WSAZ-TV Hometown Hero. She has coached Greenup County cheerleaders to 12 national titles. Her nomination form stated, “I believe she meets and exceeds all criteria as she has reached not only national, but universal recognition for her success in coaching high school cheerleading.”

• Ronald D. Giles—Formerly of Portsmouth and now of Glenmoore, Pa., Giles has had a distinguished television career. He has won seven regional Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences; Certificate of Achievement for “Pittsburgh Clean City” from Advertising Age Best TV Commercials of 1982; Golden Iris Award from the National Association of Television Program Executives for “Sounds of the Season;” Columbus Society of Communicating Arts Award for production of WBNS-TV series “High Road to Adventure;” he’s a Kentucky Colonel, and created the television show for QVC televised shopping. He also has worked internationally, establishing TV channels in the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, Australia and South Korea.

Giles has been a singer throughout his life and has created a program called “Hymns and Their Stories,” which he presents at church services and other community functions. He graduated from Glenwood High School and Ohio University and completed his master’s and doctoral work at The Ohio State University.

• Teresa Ruby — Director of SOMC Hospice, Ruby, of Portsmouth, was an outstanding athlete at Clay High School, where she holds numerous records. Her No. 14 jersey was retired. She was also a member of the state champion Clay Girls Softball team in 1980 and 1981. She played for five national championship teams, was an All-American four times, SOC player of the year her junior and senior years and a Converse All-American. At Morehead (Ky.) State University, she played basketball and softball, and holds the record at MSU in basketball for most assists in a season with 193 (1984-85).

“Teresa has inspired her teammates, players, employees, friends and family. She inspires everyone around her to be the best they can be… she is accomplishing so much more in her job at SOMC Hospice. She has made sure those families are well cared for in their most precious time of need. Teresa truly is a ‘star’ in every sense of the word.”

The signing of the stars by the stars started during Mayor Frank Gerlach’s administration (1990-1997).

DEBORAH DANIELS can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 234.